Biden Administration, Congress Should Restore Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership

For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 21, 2021
Contact:  Justin Williams, (202) 465-8464, jwilliams@nullnoia.org

Biden Administration, Congress Should Restore Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership

Washington, D.C. – National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik Milito issued the following statement in response to action taken by the outgoing Trump Administration to limit funding for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership:

“In six short years, the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) has demonstrated its immense value to economically distressed urban areas by building or repairing dozens of neighborhood parks and community areas. This program, which is made possible by offshore oil and gas revenues, creates oases and safe havens for vulnerable communities. Undercutting the ORLP directly takes away from many Americans who may not otherwise have access to recreational opportunities or even safe community spaces. The Biden Administration and Congress should take action to shift funding back to this critical program as quickly as possible.

“While the connection to the Gulf of Mexico might be surprising, the ORLP is funded by the Land & Water Conservation Fund which is funded virtually entirely by offshore oil and gas production. The offshore industry is committed to providing environmental justice solutions and the ORLP is just one way the offshore energy industry is lifting vulnerable communities.”

##

The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.